As a water focused organization, we are deeply committed to protecting our waterways, preserving clean drinking water, and promoting efficient, sustainable solutions to protect our shared watersheds. That is why we strongly support the expansion of solar energy-and specifically urge community support for New Jersey’s solar permitting bill, S4100/A5264. We are sharing this letter to Governor Murphy to sign this bill into law.

S4100/A5264 seeks to streamline and standardize the permitting process for residential solar installations. This would remove unnecessary bureaucratic delays, creating clear consistent guidelines for municipalities and installers alike. Quicker, simpler permitting translates to more homeowner and businesses powered by solar sooner.

Accelerating solar energy is not only about reducing emissions-it is also about protecting water. Costly, polluting energy sources like coal, dirty methane gas and nuclear require massive amounts of water for cooling and processing. Ultimately, as we are witnessing in New York, the radioactive or otherwise contaminated waste has nowhere to go and these energy sources are more profitable being sold overseas. Who is paying for the health costs incurred by the residents living near contaminated sites, getting sick, unable to enjoy and make use of the land?

Solar power uses little to no water to generate electricity. NJ residents need to advance solar quickly to replace reliance on costly, contaminating, water intensive fossil fuel. Adding solar means reducing water and air pollution, cutting down on water usage and helping communities foster resiliency when facing climate induced drought, fires and flooding.

We urge New Jersey watershed residents to contact Governor Murphy and voice support for this bill. It is a practical, common sense step toward a clean, renewable energy future that propels green jobs and protects sacred water.